Search warrants executed Friday; arrest warrant said to be readied

Aaron Hernandezreturned to his home Friday afternoon, where he locked himself away from intense scrutiny and had time to reflect on whether his entanglement in a fatal shooting would end his NFL career.

Hernandez spent more than 24 hours away from home; he was sequestered in his attorney's office for part of that time. He left his home in North Attleboro, Mass., on Thursday. Numerous reports indicated that Hernandez had not cooperated with law enforcement officials.

Investigators have video evidence of Hernandez, 23, and Lloyd being together at a Boston-area bar Sunday night or Monday morning. The two reportedly left the facility accompanied by two other men.

Additional video evidence collected while law enforcement officials canvassed surveillance systems shows Hernandez returning home early Monday. Two men in hooded sweatshirts entered the home a short time later.

Sometime between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. Monday (all times ET), Lloyd died of a gunshot wound to the head. Various reports indicated he might have been shot several times. His body was left in an industrial area about a mile from Hernandez's home. An automobile registered to Hernandez reportedly was found near the scene.

A jogger found the body Monday morning, sparking the investigation that has landed Hernandez in trouble.

Since the investigation began, law enforcement officials have searched Hernandez's home, which is southwest of Boston and near the Patriots' headquarters and home stadium. North Attleboro is just east of Rhode Island.

At least three search warrants were reported to have been executed Friday, but there was no word on what police were seeking. Two investigators entered Hernandez's posh home in an exclusive subdivision about noon Friday, only to leave a short time later.

Hernandez is half of one of the NFL's best tight end tandems with Rob Gronkowski. But with Gronkowski recovering from a series of surgeries, it's doubtful either player will be available to coach Bill Belichick for the 2013 season.

Adding to Hernandez's problems is the likelihood of NFL sanctions against him. As Yahoo! Sports noted, commissioner Roger Goodell has grounds to suspend Hernandez for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Goodell can cite precedent, including bans on former wide receiver Chris Henry and defensive back Adam "Pacman" Jones.

Friday began with reports of an arrest warrant being readied for Hernandez. While Hernandez was not arrested, investigators continued to search for the evidence. A Rhode Island strip club was being searched by police for evidence, but it was unclear what they were looking for, the Boston Herald reported.

The obstruction of justice charge, according to reports, involved the destruction of video surveillance equipment at Hernandez's home. It also might involve the destruction of his cell phone, which was shattered when it was given to police, and reports that a cleaning service had been at his home Monday.

Reports also said the charge or charges could be upgraded.

As has been the pattern in the Hernandez story, there were denials regarding the warrant. "We have nothing issued from this court right now," a court official told CBSSports.com. The Boston Globe and NFL.com echoed the CBS report.

"If it was issued anywhere in the state it would show up," Attleboro court clerk Nancy E. Clarke told the Boston Herald. "There's only three clerks here, we all talk to each other. No warrant has been issued."

The Reuters news agency reported it had confirmed via an anonymous police officer that an arrest warrant was issued.

Images of Hernandez entering his home early Monday would fit a timeline during which Lloyd was slain and a report of shots fired near Hernandez's home was received between 3 and 3:30 a.m. Boston TV station WFXT reported that Hernandez was seen at Lloyd's residence before the report of shots being fired.

Hernandez, his agent and the Patriots have yet to comment. His attorney, Michael Fee, issued a statement earlier this week.

"It has been widely reported in the media that the state police have searched the home of our client, Aaron Hernandez, as part of an ongoing investigation," Fee said. "Out of respect for that process, neither we nor Aaron will have any comment about the substance of that investigation until it has come to a conclusion."

Also on Friday, Hernandez lost an endorsement deal because of the Lloyd case.

"In light of the investigation involving Aaron Hernandez, CytoSport is terminating its endorsement contract with Mr. Hernandez, effective immediately," the company announced.

Cytosport is a California-based nutritional supplement company. Hernandez was seen wearing a cap with a company product logo when he left his home Thursday.

Meanwhile, Lloyd family members said Friday they were seeking answers about what happened the night the semi-pro football player from Dorchester, Mass., died.

They said Lloyd was dating the sister of Hernandez's girlfriend and the two men were friends.

"I want the person that killed my son to be brought to justice," said Lloyd's mother, Ursula Ward. "That's my first-born child, my only boy child, and they took him away from me. ... I wouldn't trade him for all the money in the world. And if money could bring him back I would give this house up to bring my son back. Nothing can bring my son back."

On Thursday, Hernandez left his residence and drove to Patriots headquarters at Gillette Stadium. He left a short time later, reportedly after being told by team officials to leave.

During his Thursday drive he was tailed by media cars and at least three helicopters. He stopped for gas at one point and was accosted by media members. He was last seen driving a car into a parking structure at his attorney's offices.

Hernandez is no stranger to trouble. He found it several times during his tenure at the University of Florida. While he avoided major punishment, he was suspended at least one game amid allegations of marijuana use. Other incidents reportedly involved underage drinking and a shooting in which he was one of four Gators players questioned.

The Boston Globe, as part of its coverage, reported that NFL teams were aware of character concerns surrounding Hernandez before the 2010 draft. Rated a first-round prospect that year, Hernandez fell to the fourth round.

According to The Globe: "The marijuana use, the short fuse, the shadowy friends from his Connecticut hometown who made visits to Gainesville, Fla. — where they were well known. It was also known that Hernandez was generally regarded as a hard worker on the field, and his talent and versatility were evident. Like nearly all potential draft picks, Hernandez was a risk/reward prospect, though the risk seemed bigger with him."

The Globe's Shalise Manza Young, who covers the Patriots for Sporting News, reported in Friday's story a 2010 incident in which Hernandez threatened former New England wide receiver Wes Welker. According to the story, Hernandez was having problem with a piece of equipment and asked for Welker's help. Welker said: "Rookie, you can figure it out."